Snow gums, Gorges & Blue Waterholes | 4-Day Alpine Traverse
📍 Mt Bimberi, ACT | Guided | All Inclusive ✅
Trek across quiet Australian Alps country to the ACT’s rooftop—Mt Bimberi—then drop into Blue Waterholes to explore limestone caves and turquoise gorges
Expect snow gums, open high plains, historic huts and wildlife in numbers. This is a classic, tent-based pack trek: small group, steady pace, big landscapes, and time for a cheeky cold-water dip if you’re game.
Remote, raw, and wildly rewarding—perfect for hikers who love a bit of everything: summits, rivers, caves, and starry nights.
Quick Facts
Duration: 4 days
Style: Guided pack-carry; tent-based; small group
Difficulty: Moderate; mixed terrain with some wading and an optional summit
Start/Finish: Canberra region (Alps traverse to Blue Waterholes)
Transport: Return road transfers included
Stays: National park tent camps (3 nights)
Trip Highlights
Optional summit of Mt Bimberi, highest point in the ACT, with sweeping alpine views
Wade through Clarke & Nichols gorges and explore easy-access limestone caves
Cool off at Cooleman Falls; picnic by turquoise pools
Ramble past historic alpine huts and across wildlife-rich high plains
Classic Australian Alps scenery: snow gums, granite tors, big skies
Good to Know
Expect wet-feet creek crossings and some optional short cave sections (torch provided)
Nights can be cold at altitude year-round—extra socks advised!
Pack weight is shared across group gear; personal loads still require solid hiking fitness
Gear issue and fit-out (tent, bag, pack, etc.), final clothing check, trip briefing. Start dialled; hike happier.
From Canberra, roll to Orroral Homestead (≈1 hr) and the Orroral Tracking Station—a 1960s NASA outpost—where the walk begins. Cross Orroral Valley (kangaroos aplenty), then climb into eucalypt forest.
Banksias and silver wattle line the mix of singletrack and fire trail up to Cotter Gap; granite tors and alpine flats set the scene before a gentle descent to Cotter Flat for a riverside camp under wide, starry skies.
Skirt Cotter Hut and climb steadily to Murrays Gap, passing high-country bogs and fens. Drop packs to tag Mt Bimberi—highest point in the ACT—via a faint footpad weaving through snow gums and granite.
Summit views sweep across the Brindabellas (on a clear day, even Telstra Tower glints on the horizon). Rejoin packs, cross into NSW, and descend to Oldfields Hut (1925) for a classic Alps camp.
Open walking towards Currango Plain, with a detour option to Pockets Hut. Angle off-track beneath Howells Peak across wide tussock fields and big-sky country, then explore Old Currango Homestead (1873)—the oldest hut in Kosciuszko National Park.
Undulating fire trail leads on to Bill Jones Hut and a quiet camp that sets up tomorrow’s karst finale.
Cut across to Nichols Gorge Walk into limestone country. Explore Murray Cave (to ~200 m, ending at a water-filled siphon) and Cooleman Cave (also to ~200 m). Follow Clarke Gorge with ankle-to-knee-deep creek crossings and turquoise pools, then finish at Cooleman Falls—prime for a brisk dip.
Pack down, then road transfer back to Canberra. Trail-dusted, soul-full, job done.
Facilities & Conditions
Meals are designed for energy, recovery and taste, with locally freeze-dried components (better texture and nutrient retention than standard dehydrated fare). Portions are generous; snacks are frequent.
Breakfasts (hot):
Trail Lunches:
Dinners (hot):
Desserts:
Snacks & Hot Drinks (on tap):
Dietaries: Most needs can be accommodated with notice (vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free/coeliac, and common allergies).
Itinerary & Activities
Guides & Safety
Accommodation
Meals & Drinks
Transport
Equipment & Support
Seasonal Weather Expectations
Altitude range: ~900 m (Orroral Valley) to 1,913 m (Mt Bimberi); Blue Waterholes/Cooleman Plain sits ~1,200–1,300 m. Mountain weather changes fast—pack the beanie even in January; the Alps don’t read calendars.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Autumn (Mar–May)
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Year-Round Notes
Best all-round windows: Late Oct–Dec and Mar–May for balanced temps, clearer days, and manageable creek levels.
Verified Reviews from Past Tours
We had a fantastic time on two trips with Autopia Tours. Four days on the Larapinta Trail and a three day Uluru/Kata Tjuta/Kings Canyon trip.
The hosts and guides Vic, the two Zoe’s, Ben, Sue and Connie were welcoming, friendly and a credit to the business.
My only gripe would be that there were no larger sized swags for taller people. Highly recommended.
May, 2024
Tristan and Zoe were superlative guides. I cannot speak highly enough of them. They were caring, extremely capable and sensitive to individual needs.
They were very informative and respectful. of the culture and experience. . As well they were fun and engaging. They brought the very bast out of the fantastic group of women on the trek.
March, 2023
This review goes out to a pair of epic guides! (Tristan and Zoe) So so so accommodating and kind, taking our group in an awesome journey through the Larapinta.
March, 2025
I was incredibly impressed with the three young women who led our tour along the Larapinta Trail in August 2023, Immy, Ell, and Shiarna. They were always upbeat, cheerful, exceptional cooks, and extremely fit and hard working.
After a day trekking, they would cook, set up dinner, unpack truck, clean up, get ready for the next day, be up early the next morning, offering coffee, etc. Immy had exceptional knowledge about the local flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples. She offered opportunities to walk on our own, sit on our own, encouraging us to reflect.
As someone who does yoga and meditation, I found this absolutely beautiful and perfect for me. It gave time to pause, reflect, I was able to leave work thoughts behind, focus on the present, and felt all round healthier, relaxed, calm and focused. This was completely unexpected and I hadn't thought so much attention would be focused on us in this way.
It was absolutely perfect for a group of people raising funds for women's cancer research, which is so often neglected, that we had three inspiring and strong women leading our group. Thank you so much to your company for the excellent guides who worked around the clock to make sure we were safe, healthy, fed and watered to a very high standard.
A special call out to Immy, who is to be commended for her leadership, thoughtful guiding, and wonderful poetry.
May, 2025
We trekked section 1, 10 and 12 of the Larapinta Trail to raise awareness and funds for Women's rights to a second chance of education.
Tour guides Zoe and Tristan were amazing and had such a wonderful dynamic between the both of them, making the tour enjoyable and amazing.
The support they both offered each day and encouragement on all the trails was appreciated by everyone.
August, 2024
I took the four day Larapinta trip with Zoe, Coni and Keegan last week. It was amazing and they were absolute gems. Cannot recommend this trip enough.
May, 2025
Verified Reviews from Past Tours
Dialled for alpine variety, creek wades, and cool nights. Keep it light, layer smart, and plan for wet feet near Blue Waterholes.
Essentials
Clothing — On Trail (no cotton)
Clothing — Camp & Sleep
Footwear
Personal Health & Toiletries
Nice-to-Haves (Optional)
Seasonal Add-Ons
Blue Waterholes & Caves Notes
Food & Water
Packing Tips
Provided On-Tour (No need to pack)
Quality hiking pack, daypack, pack liner, tent, sleeping bag + liner, inflatable mat, group cook system & water treatment, headtorch, 10,000 mAh power bank, inflatable pillow, poncho, sit mat, and safety comms/first-aid.
Travel across Ngarigo, Walgalu and Ngunnawal Country in the northern Snowy Mountains and ACT high country. Culture leads—follow all on-Country guidance and signage.
Big-picture snapshot
A compact alpine-karst combo: turquoise limestone pools and slot gorges at Blue Waterholes on the Cooleman Plain, plus the ACT’s highest summit on the skyline—Mt Bimberi—reached via open plains, historic huts, and a final off-track spur. Expect remote feel and no reception.
Seasons & access (what actually changes)
Culture & conduct (essential respect)
Passes, permits & bookings
Trails & highlights (how to choose)
Blue Waterholes (Kosciuszko NP — High Plains area)
Mt Bimberi (ACT high point, via Murray’s Gap)
Common start is the Pockets Saddle Road gate → Oldfields Hut → Murray’s Gap fire trail; the final spur to the summit is unmarked and requires navigation on a rough footpad. Treat it as an experienced walker objective with a full day and a PLB.
Water, safety & navigation
Recommendations & local-style tips
Zero Trace (do it right)
Pack out everything, keep ≥50 m from fragile springs and cave entrances when camping, respect seasonal/cultural closures, and give wildlife space. The goal is simple: leave it feeling untouched.
Results Summary (Topline)
Purpose
Provide a transparent, decision-grade CO₂e estimate for guest participation in the Mt Bimberi Summit & Blue Waterholes 4-day trek, suitable for display and 200% offsetting.
Key Tour Info
Scope & Boundaries
Included
Excluded
Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults
Activity Data (Per Guest)
Results — Per Guest
(Share of subtotal by source: Feeder travel ~70%, On-trip transport ~20%, Meals ~10%, Other <1%.)
Results — Per Tour
Assumptions
Versioning
References
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Measure Your Co2Comfortable with full-day hikes carrying a light pack. Expect ~52 km over 4 days on mixed terrain, plus an optional 6 km return climb to Mt Bimberi. Steady pace, regular breaks.
Issued gear is ~4.5 kg. With personal clothing/water/snacks, most hikers stay under ~10 kg for the majority of the trip.
No. It’s an optional side trip from Murrays Gap. Non-summiteers relax with a snack/photo stop and rejoin when the summit group returns.
Creek wades in Clarke/Nichols Gorges are typically ankle-to-knee deep. Caves (Murray & Cooleman) are horizontal walk-ins up to ~200 m—no ropes or squeezing. Headtorch provided. Cave entry is optional
5) What’s the daily distance and terrain?
Day 1 17.5 km, Day 2 11.2 km (+6 km optional summit), Day 3 15.6 km, Day 4 8.8 km. Mix of fire trail, singletrack, open plains, and gorge sections with wet-feet crossings.
6) How cold can it get?
Alpine nights bite—even in summer. Typical seasonal ranges are covered in the Seasonal Weather section; plan for cold mornings, strong UV, and changeable conditions. Bring a proper warm layer and a shell.
7) Where do we meet and how do transfers work?
A pre-trip fit-out/briefing happens in Canberra at 2:00 pm (Day 0). Return road transfers Canberra ⇄ trailheads are included. Total driving over the itinerary is roughly ~400 km across all legs.
8) What’s provided and what do I need to bring?
Provided: quality pack, tent, sleeping bag + liner, insulated mat, cook system, water treatment, helmet, headtorch, 10,000 mAh power bank, group safety gear. Bring personal clothing/footwear and items listed in What to Pack.
9) What’s the food like and can you handle dietaries?
Hot breakfasts & dinners, trail lunches, snacks and hot drinks. Breakfast Day 1 and dinner Day 4 are not included. Most dietaries can be accommodated with notice (vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free/coeliac, common allergies).
10) Toilets, showers, and water—what’s the reality?
Remote national-park standards: drop toilets at or near some hut sites, no showers, creek water treated at camp. Think wild swims instead of hot taps.
11) Phone reception and charging?
Reception is patchy to none on most of the route. A power bank is issued for small devices; there are no mains on trail.
12) How big is the group and who leads it?
Max 8 guests with two experienced guides (guest-to-guide 4:1). Pace and breaks adjust to suit the group and conditions.
13) Is swimming required at Blue Waterholes?
No. Wading is part of the gorge sections; swimming is optional. Water is chilly year-round—bring a quick-dry towel and a sense of humour.
14) What happens if weather or road conditions change the plan?
Safety first. The route may re-order or adjust (e.g., alternate tracks, cave timing, or reduced wading) to suit conditions while keeping the experience intact.
15) Can solo travellers join—and how do tents work?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are welcome. We have one or two person tents available for use.
16) Any wildlife or environmental considerations I should know?
Expect kangaroos, birdlife, and the odd snake in warmer months—guides brief on safe behaviour. Camps follow Leave No Trace principles; huts and waterways have set-back rules that are strictly observed.
17) Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance that covers medical evacuation by land, air or sea is required.
(T = tonnes CO₂e)
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